We have so much to be grateful for.

It never ceases to amaze me how much Ugandans are full of fun and laughter at every opportunity. Most of the time they have so much less than many people in Ballyholme who think life is tough so much of the time.

Niall has a quote on his notice board: ‘Now and then, its good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy’.

Ugandans do that well: The boy who squeals with delight that he can walk on one leg, and is even more excited at my mumbling in Ugandan well done.

The father who is so grateful that we tried so hard to save his daughter who has just died from meningitis.

The laughter from the mothers on paediatric ward when I announce that I need to stop for lunch and those not yet seen will just have to wait for half an hour. The young man who is so appreciative that I gave him my empty plastic water bottle because he did not have one.

The parents pleased that we prayed for their sick son who may have a brain tumour.

I am humbled by these people.

They know how to live, how to care for each other and how to find pleasure in all things.

Yet they do feel pain. They wail when their son has died, but then get on with their life, because they have no other choice.

Our staff nurse who has HIV because of her husbands lifestyle comes to work every day without complaining and is an encouragement to all.

Some days I am tired, but I am inspired by my Ugandan colleagues, and indeed attendants and patients. The life our God has given us is indeed good, very good. Cetainly there are bad bits, but I should keep those in context, overshadowed by so much that is good and right, and indeed fun, if only we’d let ourselves enjoy it.

I hope you enjoy yourself this week.

Rory